What is Radon gas?
Radon gas is radioactive and forms naturally when uranium, thorium, or radium, which are radioactive metals break down in rocks, soil, and groundwater. People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon in air that comes through cracks and gaps in buildings and homes. Because radon comes naturally from the earth, people are always exposed to it. As a result, we recommend that all homes be tested as part of a home purchase or sale.
Studies performed at the University of Iowa have helped show that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
How does Radon gas get into homes?
Radon gas can enter even through small cracks in the foundation or openings in the foundation of homes like sump pumps or spaces around pipes. For some individuals with wells, radon in the well water can enter the home and become airborne during showering or dishwashing. The amount of radon gas from groundwater is generally small compared to the amount of radon that comes from the soil.
See also:
- Radiation Protection Division: Radon – https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radionuclide-basics-radon
- EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System profile on Radon 222 [CASRN 14859-67-7] is located at: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris/iris_documents/documents/subst/0275_summary.pdf
- Radioactive Decay
For a complete, up-to-date listing, visit the EPA’s website at: http://www.epa.gov.
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Last Updated on 2 years ago
